The Fungi Factor: The Surprising Discovery of Mold's Impact on Leafcutter Bees

15/04/2025 15 min Temporada 3 Episodio 52
The Fungi Factor: The Surprising Discovery of Mold's Impact on Leafcutter Bees

Listen "The Fungi Factor: The Surprising Discovery of Mold's Impact on Leafcutter Bees"

Episode Synopsis

Dive into the world of solitary leafcutter bees and discover how a seemingly undesirable mold could actually be their unlikely ally. Dr. Victoria Luizzi shares their fascinating research on Aspergillus mold, which might offer protective benefits to these essential pollinators. We talk about the leafcutter’s unique nesting habits, the symbiotic relationships between flora and fauna, and how a garden's bare patch can make a significant difference in supporting native bees. *The term “foulbrood” was used mistakenly, when our guest intended to refer to “stonebrood.” What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.